[algem]

The information you provided is pretty vague, what is your new degree in? What field are the interviews in? Are these aligned?

Sounds like you are just having the classic I am getting old and running out of time to do all the great things I thought I would do, everyone goes through this. I doubt the feeling ever really fades but don't let it get the best of you.

You need to reset your expectations / ground yourself to your situation, you need to do some real goal setting short and long term planning.

Sounds like your mostly worried about "money" and there is no quick ways to make money. But there are lots of ways to make good money, I get the sense that is why you mentioned programming because it can be a lucrative career. But to be honest its not for everyone and I don't agree with the "everyone can be a programmer" sentiment. You are already well educated in other fields I would recommend exhausting those options before jumping ship.

Of course I know nearly nothing about you so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

What I have seen result in the most career growth is changing jobs often, never stay put. And continuous education with new problems to solve. Your job should be engaging (not 100% of the time but like a wave)